The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word ARCHDUKE
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The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ARCHDUKE mean?
ARCHDUKE noun- (history) The son or male-line grandson of an emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
- (history) The ruler of an archduchy, in particular the Archduchy of Austria.